chichi cemetery

11KarenS

We had to walk up the mountain to visit this cemetery but it was worth the climb. It was the most colorful cemetery I have ever visited. Our guide explained about the various graves, tombstones, explained about what the Shaman was doing, about their customs and beliefs. It was a fascinating place to visit

tworns

Stay here for about 30 minutes and start wondering through the cemetery.....It is not your typical cemetery in other countries. This one is colorful and interesting. Lot of designs and visiting here will make you appreciate the different cultures....

leona73

We had a guide take us through the cemetery which was full of colorfully painted tombstones, shamans and only a 5 minute walk from the town square. Well worth the visit if you are in Chichi

WorldTvlerParker_CO

The cemetery sits up on a hill, with all the 'above' ground gravesites of varying sizes and colors...some quite elaborate with embedded pictures of those gone to rest.The poorer folks are buried under ground, with nary a mention.

Ol_Gnome

At the end of the street just up the hill from the Hotel-Museum Mayan Inn (which is a very beautiful comfortable colonial style hotel, with each room uniquely furnished and decorated in authentic antiques, colonial museum pieces and a fireplace) you will find the Chichchicastenango cemetery. This local cemetery has many beautiful and colourful mausoleums, where local Mayan shamans still practice their arts.

Eileen193

You really do ask some funny questions that are not appropriate to the sight in question - it was a cemetery!It was a chance to see how Mayan culture is alive and well (even in a cemetery) in Guatemala. There was a shaman performing a rite using a fire and evidence of the Dia de Los Muertos was still about. I found it to be a colourful and vibrant place unlike so many burial places in Central America. I think if I had been on my own I would have felt spiritual qualities there but in addition to my small group there were many other tourists as it was market day as well.

egiron75

as I am from this small town, my grandparents, uncles and friends are all buried in this cemetery, and I'm sure my parents will end up here one day, all I can say is this place no matter how many times you visit it is one place that will always bring a smile to your face, the colorful tombs and mausoleums make the place cheerful, it makes the place serene. I place a flower on my relatives graves every visit i make. If you are ever in the area make sure you pay the cemetery a visit, I know, sounds strange to recommend visiting a cemetery as an attraction, but you will not be disappointed. and make sure you walk all the way to the back where they built a mayan altar for the mayan end of calendar event.

missymalloo

This was really interesting to see. Very colorful mausoleums throughout. It was an unusual time to visit because people are preparing for Dia de Los Muertos and many Mayans are burning sacrifices. Beware of exploding eggs!

metoread2

OMG! The Chi Chi cemetery is an incredible viewing situation. Small colorful tombs dot the hilly landscape. ( Mayans do not believe in cremation,) The poorer tombs are a mound of dirt, the better off fancy little bright colored houses. We glimpsed two Mayan ceremonies while visiting on a Sunday morning. Easy walk downhill. Long walk uphill back to town.

AlissaW566

Had I not gone to the amazing cemetery in Xela first, I would have been more impressed with the colors and style of the mausoleums. The interesting thing about this cemetery is that they Maya hold rituals in the middle of it, so we got to see a wedding ceremony and a few others we weren't sure of. Beware of exploding cans of jalepenos offered as sacrifices. The shrapnel makes it pretty far!

Tweetcoz

Just a short walk down the hill and up the right hill slightly from Mayan inn hotel. Walk takes only less than 10 mins from here to the cemetery. Walk around and view the colours. Locals walk through here to get to their village. Observe locals pay respect to their loved ones with fresh flowers or a ritual.

PeterSilvainMooij

Colourful as the country itself are these grave thumb stones on this graveyard.worth the walk down and up the hill to see this above the ground graves.Remember respect the dead, take photo from a distance.

GracielaPerez62

A short walk from the market. We went early in the morning and walked around the area. There were people there with candles and incense. A very different place from most American cemeteries.

Anzactravellers

The Mayan people still do sacrifices on the graves here, and a lot of history to absorb. It is a short walk from the Marketplace, and wandering through the cemetery is a must for all travellers to Chichi.

JOSEG525

The way this culture seems to deal with death is touching. Great place to visit. Very bright and colourful. People seem to cross it on their normal routes. Very interesting 'Mayan' ceremonies can be witnessed at least on Sundays.